Natasha, you SHALL go to the ball . . .
NATASHA J. BARNES describes herself as a ‘country girl’. She grew up in Hampshire, close to the New Forest, riding ponies.
Though she started singing lessons when she was young, she didn’t think they would amount to much. ‘I was tone deaf, and couldn’t sing in tune,’ she said.
But then she went to an opera singer, who helped her find her voice, and now she boasts the most incredible range, and is comfortable with opera, rock and gospel.
Natasha has always worked and, thanks to parts in Spring Awakening, Lend Me A Tenor, American Idiot and Chess, had built up a first-class reputation in the business.
Then came Funny Girl (which ends its run at the Savoy tomorrow night).
When she took the job as understudy to leading lady Sheridan Smith, she told her mum she was unlikely to go on as Fanny Brice. Now, by her count, she has played Fanny 137 times (while Smith was indisposed) and in the process, become a name herself.
That will only be enhanced by producer Michael Harrison’s decision to sign her for the title role in Cinderella, the panto he and Andrew Wright are directing at the Palladium from December 9.
Natasha will be playing opposite the likes of Amanda Holden, Paul O’Grady and Julian Clary. When I talked to her recently, I was touched by the way she spoke of Smith. ‘Sheridan’s so amazing and I learned so much watching her work. And she gave me important advice about going on for her. She told me not to pretend. She said: “If you go on as Fanny, you have to do it your way.”’
Natasha told me she is looking forward to having a break before starting rehearsals for Cinderella.
She’s already had the fittings for her ball gown. ‘It feels like I’m driving a vehicle!’ she joked. ‘There are layers and layers. I don’t know how I’m going to dance with Lee (Mead, as Prince Charming).’
So far, nothing has been set for her following Cinderella — but there’s talk of her doing some of the Funny Girl tour, which Smith will kick off next year. ‘Hopefully I’ll do the tour; but it hasn’t been settled yet.’
Natasha’s a funny girl in real life, too. I’m still chuckling over what she told me about the time she and her boyfriend were staying with her parents in Hampshire (they live opposite a dairy farm).
‘One morning he thought his phone was vibrating, but I said: “No, it’s the cows mooing.”’
I guess it’s the way she tells ’em.